Parents convicted in meningitis trial to appeal

A couple is appealing a conviction of failing to get proper medical treatment for their son.

A lawyer for 33-year-old David Stephan and his 36-year-old wife Collet says they intend to argue the judge's legal instructions to jurors were unfair.

• Give Stephans tougher sentences in son's meningitis death, Alberta Crown urges on appeal
• David Stephan gets jail time, Collet Stephan gets house arrest in son's meningitis death

Karen Molle says she has filed an appeal on their behalf.

The Crown is also appealing the case, arguing the couple received sentences that were too lenient.

The couple were found guilty of failing to provide the necessaries of life to their 19-month-old son Ezekiel in 2012.

Natural treatments

The toddler was treated with hot peppers, garlic, onions and horseradish and later died in a Calgary hospital of meningitis.

The Stephans never called for medical assistance until Ezekiel stopped breathing.

In June, Justice Rodney Jerke sentenced Stephan to jail for four months and gave his wife Collet three months of house arrest allowing her to only go out for medical appointments and church.